Small and medium food and beverage manufacturers across Queensland are receiving support from the Morrison Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business, employ more locals and get ahead.
Through the food and beverage round of the Energy Efficient Communities program 135 food and beverage businesses have received grants of up to $25,000.
The $3.1 million in total funding for businesses across Queensland will help lower their energy bills and reduce emissions by upgrading to more energy efficient appliances including refrigeration, carrying out energy audits and installing energy monitoring equipment.
The successful recipients include Gluten Free Bakery in Narangba and Thirsty Chiefs Brewery in North Lakes, which will make energy efficiency improvements to their operations, White Brick Brewing in Brendale, which will upgrade lighting and cooling systems and Delizia Gelato in Geebung, which will make upgrades to water chiller vats.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said a key part of supporting businesses to rebound from the pandemic is by reducing overheads like energy.
“Backing Queensland manufacturers to get ahead is a key priority of the Morrison Government,” Minister Taylor said.
“The food and beverage industry underpins a stronger Australian economy as the largest manufacturing sector, employing one in four manufacturing workers.
“This is why we are backing them to be more competitive through these grants to lower their power costs, putting more money back in their pockets and supporting the creation of new jobs in Queensland.
“These grants build on more than 2,500 solar and energy savings grants already awarded to community groups and businesses across Australia under the Morrison Government.”
The Energy Efficient Communities Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Grants program opened in January 2022, for grants of between $10,000 and $25,000 available to food and beverage manufacturing businesses with under 200 employees.
A re-elected Morrison Government will continue to support small and medium businesses cut their energy costs through a new $60 million Powering Business grants program, and a $17.9 million expansion to the Business Energy Advice Program.
Only the Morrison Government has a plan to create a strong economy and a stronger future for Queenslanders.